Lucia Bun
Santa Lucia Day is celebrated in Sweden and other countries. Girls put on white dresses, wear a crown of candles, and wake their families with coffee, Lucia Buns (lussekatter or saffron buns), and music. During the evening church service, processions of girls honor Saint Lucy. For a Lucia Buns recipe, children could visit: Lucia Buns.
Sir Francis Drake
Sir Francis Drake, an English explorer, began his trip in 1577 that would eventually circumnavigate the world. He left England with five ships and picked up another near the Cape Verde Islands. Actually Drake did not plan to sail around the world. He was a privateer intent on plundering Spanish ships. He returned to England September 26, 1580, with one ship loaded with treasure. Children find out more about his “sea dog” years by visiting: Sir Francis Drake. They could also experience a readers’ theater play at: Readers’ Theater.
Abel Tasman discovered New Zealand in 1642. At first the Dutch explorer thought New Zealand was part of a chain of islands off the coast of South America. The New Zealanders honored him by creating the Abel Tasman National Park. Children could learn more about him at: Abel Tasman.